Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a unique 12-digit identification number, called Aadhar, which not only serves as proof of identity and address, but also enables Indian residents to avail of various government subsidies.
NRIs, who have not yet got an Aadhaar card, can get it now, as the government of India has made a provision to issue the unique identification number to NRIs as well.
According to the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, an NRI having resided in India for a period of 182 days or more in 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment and having an Indian address can apply for Aadhaar.
The process to register for an Aadhaar card for NRIs is similar to the process followed by Indian residents. An NRI can apply for Aadhaar online, through the self-service portal of the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), the issuer of the 12-digit Unique Identity Number (UID) and Aadhaar card. Alternatively, he or she can visit the enrolment center’s approved by UIDAI to apply for Aadhaar card offline.
Here is how an NRI can apply for Aadhaar Card
- Visit the official website of UIDAI and find an enrolment center near your place of resident.
- Fix an appointment online or visit the enrolment center directly.
- Carry photocopies of documents such as resident proof, birth certificate and PAN card along with the Aadhaar card application form. Give all the copies to the official at the center.
- The official at the center will take your biometric details.
- The Aadhaar official will then give you an acknowledgement slip containing the Enrolment ID, which you can use for tracking status of your application.
- Once approved, you will get your Aadhar card by post at your registered address in India
- You can also download the digital copy from the portal
How do you check your Aadhaar card validity?
One may however note that simply applying for an Aadhaar card and getting it, is no guarantee against being deactivated. There have been various cases where Aadhaar numbers have been deactivated in the past. The reason of deactivating the Aadhaar number is based upon numerous issues and the decision has been taken accordingly with Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology.
If your Aadhaar card is deactivated, you will not be able to benefit from Aadhaar services. It is mandatory for the residents to link their Aadhaar with PAN card in order to file income tax returns.
You can verify your Aadhaar card validity by following the mentioned simple steps.
- First and foremost, you need to log into the UIDAI website.
- On the website, you need to go to the Aadhaar Services tab.
- You’ll see the option, “Verify Aadhaar Number”. This will take you to a new page.
- Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number in the box with the security code for Aadhaar card and your validity date. Now click on verify.
If your Aadhaar card is active, you’ll get a message, which will confirm the status of Aadhaar card number you’ve entered.
If your Aadhaar card is deactivated, you will see a message saying that the number you entered does not exists.
